Celtic's ex-Imp Ben Hutchinson linked to Mansfield

Mansfield Town are continuing to build for the new season and new manager Paul Cox has confirmed he is interested in bringing ex-Imp Ben Hutchinson to the Nottinghamshire based team. Hutchinson spent last season on loan at Sincil Bank and was remarkably unpopular with fans.

Hutchinson joined the Imps on loan from Celtic last August after scoring twice against City in a pre-season friendly. Despite a lot of hype around Hutchinson, his performances and seeming lack of interest on the pitch made him unpopular with fans, especially after he reportedly abused Lincoln fans during a 2-0 defeat to Northampton in November. His record of just 4 goals in 40 games for City didn't really contribute to the team, especially as he last one was scored on November 20th.

In 80 games as a professional, Hutchinson has only scored 8 goals, even Andy Hutchinson (no relationship) has a better goals:games ratio, with 3 in around 35 games.....if you scoring on a less regular basis than Andy Hutchinson, you know you're in trouble.

Mansfield's new manager Paul Cox has said he would be keen on adding Hutchinson to his squad after managing him at Arnold Town.

"Ben is one to keep an eye on. There is a massive number of clubs between us and Celtic's level," Cox told the Nottingham Evening Post. "It could be that he has a fair few offers, but it may be that he has to cut his cloth accordingly. He has to understand that he had dropped down to play for Lincoln on loan last season. Someone of Ben Hutchinson's quality is obviously going to enhance any team at this level.